According to West Hennepin Public Safety Department, a vehicle driven by Anita Williams, 67, of Zimmerman was southbound on Hennepin County Road 90 when she began to cross Highway 12. As she crossed, her vehicle was struck by an eastbound vehicle driven by Shawna Erlandson, 48, of Hastings.

Williams told officers she had stopped at the stop sign and was unsure how she did not see the other vehicle.

Erlandson said she braked to avoid the crash, but was unable to do so.

Williams was treated for minor injuries, but was not transported to the hospital.

Erlandson was unsure if she was injured, was evaluated by North Memorial paramedics, and released.

A passenger in Erlandson’s vehicle, 54-year-old Kevin Christoffers, of Atwater, suffered minor injuries to his head and one of his hands from the crash. Paramedics from North Memorial and the Maple Plain Fire Department evaluated Christoffers, who was not transported to the hospital.

Following the investigation into the crash, Williams was issued a citation for failure to yield at an intersection.

WHPSD Chief Gary Kroells expressed relief that the results of the crash were not worse, and looked ahead to improvements that could prevent such crashes in the future.

“We were fortunate nobody was killed today at this dangerous intersection on Highway 12,” Kroells said. “In 2021, this intersection will be reconstructed by MnDOT, which will dramatically improve traffic safety of drivers on Highway 12, and those who need to cross it. Until this intersection is reconstructed, all drivers need to pay attention on Highway 12, and beware of traffic rules and regulations so these types of crashes can be avoided.”

In addition to the MPFD and North Memorial, Orono and Medina police departments also assisted at the scene.